Category Hawaii

Apr 11 2021

Guardian Whale Meditation at Makapu’u Beach

by Dana Taylor

A few weeks ago I awakened around 5am. I’m a get-up-with-the-sun sort of gal and the sun wasn’t expected to rise on the horizon for another 90 minutes. I look forward to such early waking mornings because I can find an engaging meditation on YouTube and float in a mental Neverland before facing mundane daily tasks. On that particular morning, I chose a hypnosis session from Peter McLaughlin of BlueSky Hypnosis. Getting in Touch with Your Higher Self sounded intriguing, so I clicked the arrow and followed the mental instructions as they unfolded. Peter guided me down a staircase into my subconscious. Fingers snapped and his soothing, well…hypnotic, voice led me into a forest, giving me the out of saying “fully awake” any ole time.

At some point Peter’s voice faded and the blurry forest morphed into a bright, vivid beach setting. I recognized it–Makapu’u Beach on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. I’d slipped into a lucid dream state, very much aware I was still in bed, but the images and sensations of the beach seemed utterly real.

Makapu’u Beach Heiau

My first trip to Makapu’u beach, circa 2016, was via a Meetup tour offered by a Kahu (Spiritual Guide) who’d taken on a Hawaiian name, but had been born perhaps some 65 years earlier in Minnesota. Though wheelchair bound, she was pushed through the uneven grassy area by a sturdy twenty-something long-hair surfer dude. She repeatedly referred to the area as “Mermaid Beach.” Being new to Oahu, I assumed “Makapu’u” means “mermaid.” It does not. Nor have I ever heard anyone else call it “Mermaid Beach.”

Makapu’u is a volcanic cove and home to several circular sacred sites called heiaus, filled with carefully arranged lava stones. The stones represent ancient gods and goddesses of the Hawaiian culture. The small group was allowed to walk inside the perimeter of the heiaus and leave gifts of leis or fresh water. The Kahu explained the relationships between the stones. I don’t recall the details of the stories. What I do remember is the energy emanating from the stones. Variations of frequencies pulsed from them, as if they indeed had “personalities.” Perhaps I’ll share all the details of that experience in another post. I mainly want to set the scene for the dream/meditation here.

Beyond the heiaus is a path down to the narrow sandy beach. Volcanic shelves and fingers of stone pounded by the crashing waves give way to the expanse of turquoise ocean. My dream took me right the water’s edge and then into the warm sea. In real life I would have been in serious trouble floundering around, but in dream life, I took to the water like a fish, literally. I transformed into a mermaid. Not a Disney Ariel glamour girl, but more like Flipper. The power of my whale tail propelled me into the open ocean. A dolphin-like skin covered my body. My arms turned more fin-like, but something like hands remained. Water seemed my natural habitat. Gills pulled in sea water, which powered me on. My eyes felt rounder and larger, able to see in the fluid expanse.

I swam towards a looming figure, a huge female blue whale and celebrated a watery reunion with my dear old Mother Guardian Whale. I embraced her, a guppy compared to her enormity. Gripping her fin, she took me on a rollicking ride through the depths. Emotions of joy and love roiled through me.

After the exhilarating frolic, we propelled at a sedate pace. I placed one hand on her head. Our minds joined telepathically. She shared pictures and messages outside of human language, yet highly intelligent. The cascade of information embedded somewhere in my subconscious, only vaguely accessible in my waking state. Planetary history and cosmic connection swirled in my mind.

At a certain point my sleeping self wanted to end the session. But breaking the connection and rising to consciousness proved difficult. Part of me was diving into the deep blue sea while the other was repeating “fully awake, fully awake!”

Groggy and bleary eyed, I finally came to full consciousness thinking, “Wow, that was interesting!”

Inspired by the dream, I’ve created a new guided meditation on my YouTube channel. Before pressing the record button, I center and open myself to creative energy. The sessions are unscripted and take on a life of their own. So, enjoy this trip to Makapu’u Beach and swimming with the Mother Guardian Blue Whale.

Bright Blessings,

Dana Taylor

Nov 21 2019

Santa Goes Hawaiian

Mrs. Claus is so over cold weather ~~~

Twas a chilly night at the North Pole,
Santa snoozed by a fire in a warm, woolen stole.
A bang of the door ruined his sleep.
Mrs. Claus stomped in with soggy, wet feet.

“That’s it,” she said. “I’m sick of this cold place,
the ice, wind, and snow always stinging my face.
What’s worse, I get chased by a big polar bear,
and Santa, I think that you don’t even care!”

It’s my great pleasure to announce the publication of ALOHA SANTA. Two years ago I wrote the verse to perform in my Sweet Adeline chorus Christmas show. My singing sisters encouraged me to turn the fanciful rhyme of Santa and Mrs. Claus moving Hawaii into a children’s book. Illustrator Jaana Baker brings the story to life with her clever and charming pictures.

ALOHA SANTA is now available in paperback at Amazon. Delight the youngsters in your life with this bright, fun holiday tale. Makes a delightful gift.

                    

20% of all royalties from November 25 thru December 25 will be donated to the Na Leo Lani Chorus of Sweet Adelines International.

 

Order at Amazon today!  ALOHA SANTA

Aug 14 2019

My Rock Friends

by Dana Taylor

My romance with rocks began as a small child visiting my parents’ friends, Jon and Lois. As my mom and Lois chatted in the kitchen, Jon took 6-year-old me to check out his workshop in the garage. I remember it as a wonderland of rocks and stones. Jon was a rock hound. On weekends he dragged Lois up into the dry California hills searching for treasures of geodes and dusty stones. Jon showed me his rock polisher, a drum that turned rocks into shiny gems. Rocks lined window shelves and covered the tables in all their mineral glory. I was smitten.

After I became a Reiki practitioner in 2005, rocks began to “call” to me. I went from admiring them, to feeling and hearing them. They buzzed, thumped, and hummed. My ears didn’t actually hear them, yet they seemed to send their own tunes into my mind. It was all a little weird, but Reiki had opened a whole weird world and rocks were the least of it. I began collecting, taking home the ones that felt companionable.

I made an attempt at studying stone and crystal characteristics listed in volumes of rock encyclopedias. Amethyst is a healing stone, jasper is a grounding stone, etc. I soon got lost in all the definitions. Turning into a crystal healing expert wasn’t happening. Instead, individual rocks became my quiet friends. They became part of my ever-growing awareness of intelligence in the non-human universe. (Plants, bugs, and animals talk to me also, but that’s another blog.)

Let me share some of my favorite things about my rock friends.

  • Power – Stones are not inert. They radiate energy. Some of it is palpable to almost everyone. Magnets hold up favorite photos on the fridge. Crystals are integral to our communication technology. Uranium is the basis of complete nuclear annihilation. In this ever-increasing era of radiation and microwaves (5G is happening!!), people will incorporate stones like black tourmaline and orgone crystal energy devices to mitigate harmful effects of high tech.

  • Beauty – Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? The De Beers family and blood diamonds aside, humans have adorned themselves with stones with from pre-historic times. I suspect Eve had Adam searching out gems to string around her pretty neck in Eden.

  • Information storage and communication—One of my favorite books is The Standing Stones Speak by Natasha Hoffman and Hamilton Hill, published in 2001. The authors visited many standing stone sites in the UK and Europe and shared the information they psychically received from them. The book began to shift my paradigms of “reality.”

Storage space won’t allow me to bring home every rock that catches my eye. Nowadays, they have to really call to me in some fashion. Here are a few of my special companions.

  Lava heart – Hawaii legend warns people about taking lava rocks out of their natural locations. Remember the infamous episode of the Brady Bunch? One morning I went to take a swim at Magic Island at Ala Moana State Beach. Magic Island is a calm lagoon created by a man-made barrier. There isn’t a lot ocean debris washed up. Lava isn’t a floating stone. The beach is not littered with it. Yet, a lone human-heart shaped lava stone lay near the spot I chose to place my towel. It caught my eye. I received the impression, Take me home. Therein ensued an internal conversation questioning my over-active imagination and Brady-Bunch inspired trepidation. Take me home, it seemed to whisper. Fine, I gave in. Lava Heart has been with me several years now with no ill effect. I took him (feels male to me) to Angela, The Stone Whisperer. She had the impression he had once taken part in Hawaiian ceremonies. I sometimes feel impressed to hold him during prayer and meditation.

Blue kyanite –I purchased this guy at a wonderful rock store in Virginia City, NV. The frequency buzz in my palm holding him is high and clear. Blue kyanite aids in chakra alignment and is associated with the throat chakra. It helps you speak your truth. My blue kyanite rests on a living room ledge, constantly energizing the room.

Amethyst – This lovely found me at the Meramac Cave gift shop in Missouri. The energy she exudes tickles the fine hairs on my arm. For sheer beauty, amethyst is a knock out. Amethyst has calming vibes and aids in clear thinking. My amethysts help create a peaceful energy in my home.

Stone gods

 

My move to Hawaii elevated my sense of personhood in stones. A visit to the sacred heiaus at Makapu’u Beach led by a kahuna allowed me to touch lava stones gathered from around the islands for their sacred properties. They are linked with ancient gods, goddesses and their families. The energy and “personalities” are palpable. The experience fairly blew my mind and took a while to assimilate. The kahuna also guided us to sit in a tidal pool of our choice for prayer and meditation. We spent half an hour by ourselves, warm water swirling around our bodies, waves crashing onto the shelf of lava. I experienced some sort of encounter that day with an Ancient One. For days afterwards, I felt dramatically attached to Hawaii in a new way. The air seemed bluer, the rainbows more exquisite, the vitality stronger. I sent a message to the kahuna to ask if my imagination was simply running wild. She replied she “saw” a female Hawaiian spirit around me while I sat in the pool. Hawaii became “home” after that experience.

I’ll end with the story of Kaneikokala, the shark god. Kaneikokala is a resident of the Bishop Museum. He is free standing outside some display cases on the first floor. He grabs your attention, like suddenly meeting E.T. The plaque near him says:

 

“Kaneikokala, a stone image of Ki’i pohaku made of vesicular basalt, was uncovered by Wahinenui, a kama’aina (native born) of Kawaihae, Hawai’i. Wahinenui was guided to the buried location by his dreams, claiming the ki’i had pleaded constantly to be taken from the cold in which it lay. Kaneikokala was brought to Bishop Museum in 1906, and not long afterward set permanently into cement in the floor of Hawaiian Hall. In spite of well intentioned efforts to relocate Kane to a suitable site outside the Hall, the image has steadfastly held its ground and refused to be moved.”

My Rock Cave

Since I moved to my current apartment last year, I don’t feel the need to surround myself with more and more rocks, much to my daughters’ relief, no doubt. I suspect the main reason is because my home walls are now encased by lava rock. I live on the side of an extinct volcano. A space was blasted out to make room for this cozy dwelling. I have front windows that over look the ocean. On a clear day I can see Molokai, Lanai, and Maui. (Wow!) The rest of the apartment is tucked into the mountain. The sheet rock walls of the bedroom, bath, and closet cover pure lava. When I return after a trip to the mainland, I feel the very walls welcome me home. The energy of the stones, the sea air and the power of Hawaii revitalizes me.

Jon & Lois

Speaking of revitalizing, Jon and Lois are still going strong, hovering around 90 years old. I visited them a few years ago. Their house is filled with majestic stones. Valuable, tall crystals stand as sentinels throughout their home. Exquisite polished globes of stones like tiger eyes, citrine, and agate decorate their tables. It struck me that they had created a “powerhouse” with their rock collection. IMO, that’s one of the keys to their amazing longevity.

I encourage you to find your own stone friends. They can enhance your life in ways you simply don’t understand…yet.

Bright Blessings,

Dana Taylor

Learn more about multidimensional living in Supernal Adventures!

Mar 16 2019

Meet an Acupuncture Artist

Healing is an art, and an act of kindness….Dr. Gloria Martin

Dr. Gloria Martin

Last September I returned to Hawaii from the mainland suffering from the lingering effects of a toxic tick bite. My mind was foggy, my immune system compromised. I experienced a miserable week of rolling hives that barely responded to drugs prescribed by patronizing doctors. I was scheduled to perform with my woman’s chorus at an all weekend event and didn’t know how I would get through it.
I called my best Supernal friend, Sue, with my tale of woe. Sue said, “I’m getting the word that you need to go for acupuncture. They’re saying if you don’t go, you will really be in trouble.”
Maybe it was fate, maybe it was luck, but I called Hawaii Kai Acupuncture and Massage, near my home. After hearing my distress, the kind office manager, Danielle, rearranged appointments and worked me in for treatment with Dr. Gloria Martin, the next afternoon. I arrived at the office dressed to go onto a performance I doubted I’d be able to make, my energy was so low. I followed Danielle’s instructions, entered the exam room, disrobed, donned a sheet and lay on the table, ready for the doctor. Dr. Martin walked in and gave me her full attention. She listened to my theory of the toxic tick bite. I was impressed when she said, “Sometimes listening to the patient is the best information.”
After a moderate examination, she stared at the small blister on my stomach still visible from a two-month old tick bite. She said, “Yes, that is still a problem. I will get to work.”

Dr. Martin applied needles in multiple places on my body, as one would expect in acupuncture. She also aggressively treated the bite with needles, burning, and extraction. She turned me over and cupped my back. Head to toe, front to back, Dr. Martin worked on the energetic channels of my body to stimulate and balance my system.
After I left her office, I felt better than I had in weeks. I was able to perform for three long days. Dr. Martin’s treatment helped me get back to myself. I was so impressed. Generally, with allelopathic medicine you walk out of the office feeling as lousy as you went in, hoping that the drugs prescribed will kick in within a couple of days. You don’t expect the doctor visit to actually make you feel better. I discovered acupuncture could deliver immediate relief and enhance speedy healing.  
I wanted to learn more. Dr. Martin agreed to meet with me to discuss her life, healing philosophy, and holistic practice.
FROM SPAIN TO HAWAII

Born in Spain, the tones of Dr. Gloria’s birth country still ring through her words. Her father managed a mine in the town of Leon. When Gloria was nearly five years old, he took a job in Germany. Soon, her mother joined him in Germany and enrolled Gloria in a convent school in Spain. She quickly became attached to a motherly nun and looks back on that period with fondness. Her first spiritual experiences occurred at the convent.
“It was so beautiful to be there. The nuns would sing like a chorus. I felt like I was in heaven with the angels. It was the first time I had quiet, mystic experiences. I was in the church one time. There was a statute of the child Jesus on one side of the church. It was like my friend. One time when I was looking at him and feeling a lot of love and attachment for him, there was a light that completely filled the entire altar and it continued growing and growing and everything was immersed in that light. The level of love increased as the light increased until I actually passed out and lost consciousness. It felt like such a gift.”
Dr. Martin and her family eventually moved to Barcelona, where she finished her basic schooling. At seventeen she followed her soul’s yearning, spending time meditating and trekking the summer through spiritual sites. She studied ancient philosophies and modern quantum physics. As winter approached, she returned to Barcelona, intending to stay with friends, but instead found her way to a Hare Krishna school, where she studied Eastern philosophies. By age twenty, she wanted to move to the United States to explore the opportunities of the American culture and economy. She was sponsored by a Hare Krishna ashram in West Virginia. Unfortunately, she found herself in a highly controlling atmosphere.
“I soon realized they had made a cult out of the philosophy. Oh my God, the leader was nuts. I was horrified and scared to death. He ended up in jail years later. I met a young man there who was a musician and we became good friends. We escaped that place together and later got married.”
They lived in Miami for a while and then moved to California, pursuing his career in the music industry. They had their first of four children and lived in Berkley where Gloria learned English and studied philosophy. By 1981, the California congestion and urban pressures compelled them to follow friends to Hawaii.
She discovered a school for acupuncture on Oahu run by a medical doctor who had observed traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) while serving in the military. Amazed by seeing surgeries performed without anesthetics, he studied TCM and brought acupuncture to western students.  Gloria enrolled as a full time student, graduated at the top of her class, and immediately began practicing her healing arts. For several years she was the manager of a holistic clinic, working with a chiropractor and other practitioners.
Like many kindred spirits, Dr. Gloria felt a spiritual connection to the islands. The marriage ended after twelve years, but she established Hawaii as the home for herself and her children. She has been practicing her healing arts for over thirty-five years in Hawaii.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
I asked her to give me an overview of the basics of acupuncture.
“There is a body system that is the energy system, the “Chi” system. It runs in channels. It is subtle energy, but it is still physical. It can be measured by machines. The channels are like rivers of energy. They are all connected, but at the same time, they are separated as to specific functions. There is the Liver Channel, the Kidney Channel, the Heart Channel and so on. Each channel connects internally with the named organ.
Each channel carries the functions of the organs. We concentrate on the functions of the organ systems, rather than the physicality of the organ itself. We also look for patterns of disease. We look at the patterns and the malfunctions, the interconnections of the organs, and treat the patient accordingly, taking many factors into consideration.
We do it by manipulating the Chi that is running on the channels. There are approximately four hundred acupuncture points. Each point is like pressing a button that goes directly to the brain and also to the sympathetic nerves in the spinal cord. It causes a certain reaction in the body. It can immediately treat pain by stimulating the brain to produce natural pain relievers. It can stimulate hormones and all the many functions of the body, depending on which channels are being treated.”
THREE LEVELS OF ACUPUNCTURIST
Dr. Martin explained there are three different levels of Chinese medicine doctors:
  • The first doctor concentrates on the physical body and only that. It’s very mechanical. They place the needles, let them stay in place for a few minutes, then remove them.
  • The second level doctor considers the mental and emotional health of the patient, along with the physical.  They are more observational and conversational with the patients. Treatment incorporates other modalities and herbal recommendations.
  • The third doctor incorporates the first two, but also adds spiritually intuitive guidance. These practitioners have studied ancient philosophies such as Taoism. They might consider generational influences that in the West we call DNA, among ideas like past life connections. It’s a much broader scope of understanding by the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual states of the patient.
Dr. Gloria is one of the third level of doctors. She offers treatments, but she also advises life style changes. Healing of emotions may necessary to promote over-all healing. Each client is unique and receives specialized treatments and recommendations tailored especially for them.
FROM HER WEBSITE at www.HawaiiHolisticAcupuncture.com
Dr. M. Gloria Martin, D.Ac., Founder of Hawaii Kai Acupuncture & Massage, has developed customized healing systems proven to be extremely effective, that integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Herbology, Nutrition, Body Work Therapies, and Massage.She is a holistic practitioner who considers who considers the emotional genetic and environmental factors that determine your health.  When treating chronic illnesses she will mindfully adjust to every individuals need, utilizing protocols to detox the body and build the person’s immune system.  With her expert knowledge of natural remedies, she will bring the body back in balance.
What makes Dr. Martin special is that she was born with the gift of healing. She has a wide variety of knowledge and experience and practices with kindness and is skill full in guiding and educating her patients throughout their journey to health.

Dr. Gloria truly puts the “art” in the term “healing arts.” For more information visit Hawaii Kai Acupuncture and Massage.

Sep 4 2017

Hawaii’s Stone Whisperer Hears Hope

When I first met Angela Studer, The Stone Whisperer, two years ago she was, frankly, terrified. She and I had both washed up on the Hawaiian shore about the same time. I was a new widow embarking on the next phase of life, whatever that might be. Angela had been excited when a new job for her husband of 27 years had brought their family to Oahu. Living the dream turned nightmarish when he abandoned her and their son, leaving them less than $200 in the bank.

Born with psychic gifts and an optimistic spirit, she had endured the long, abusive marriage by focusing on the positive. On the mainland, she had developed a spiritual business designing crystal jewelry, offering energy healing, and classes as The Stone Whisperer. She raised a developmentally challenged son and made the best of a bad marriage.

Suddenly, she found herself in the middle of the Pacific ocean in one of the most expensive places to live. She couldn’t make her condo payments and wondered if she would soon be joining the ranks of the homeless, living under tarps on the sidewalks sheltered only by banyan trees. Despite her fear and trepidation, Hawaii felt like home. Indeed, the rocks and native Hawaiians seemed to welcome her as “o’hana”–family.

Even the language came easily to her, as if she already knew it. Akashic memories of a former life in ancient Lemuria emerged. A Hawaiian kahu (healer/respected elder) invited the blond mainlander with the Midwestern accent into her home and became her kumu (teacher). Angela learned healing methods, chants, and was ordained as a kahu, which is highly unusual. Native Hawaiians have learned through hard experience to keep their secrets to themselves. Yet they embraced Angela and gave her the name “Pohakuola” meaning “Living Rock.”

Though she expected to receive an eviction notice any day on the condo, she took good care of it. Inspired by her view of ancient volcanic mountains, she turned her backyard into sacred space.  Bleached coral washed up on the beaches formed the boundaries of a labyrinth. She explored the west side of Oahu, an area seldom visited by tourists. She discovered sacred sites and energetic healing spots. Her spiritual guides brought creative ideas to mind to create income and utilize her gifts.

As Angela puts it, “I feel as though I am part of the rocks. I feel that I am their voice and they are alive, an extension of God’s source placed here to inspire us in more ways than we could imagine.”

She began offering “Hidden Oahu Spiritual Experience” tours. Visitors from around the world can get off the beaten track and be refreshed in quiet groves and tidal pools, and receive Angela’s unique healing gifts. Every tour is different, inspired by her guides’ leading for the people involved.

Crystals and gems began speaking to Angela again. New pieces of gallery quality, wire wrapped jewelry emerged from her imagination through the movements of her fingers with the wire and stones. She imbues each piece with healing energy.

Our paths have crossed intermittently through the past two years. I’ve visited her home for classes. The energy from all the stones and crystals is palpable. Her house has truly become sacred ground. Angela exudes a shining energy of love. Though she’s been forced to live a very hand-mouth-existence, she’s developed a deep faith in the God’s provision. Yet, she does her part. Seeking a firmer financial footing, she took real estate courses and recently passed her exams. She is now a licensed realtor.

She will bring her special gifts to her clients, offering to bless the houses they buy and sell through her. A vision is developing of a spiritual sanctuary with workshops, labyrinth, and guest rooms. Seeing what Angela has accomplished in two years against the odds makes her dream seem quite plausible.

Angela is so much more than a survivor, she is a beacon of the Aloha spirit. If you’re visiting Oahu soon, consider adding a Hidden Oahu Sacred Experience to your “must do” list. You may discover the stones will whisper to you also.

Bright blessings,

Dana Taylor

Find Angela Pohakuola on Facebook: Hidden Oahu Spiritual Experience Angela Pohakuola   Realtor Page, 

Website: Talking to Stones

 

 

 

 

 

Apr 10 2015

The Best Food You’ve Never Eaten

breadfruit-salad-recipeMove over quinoa, there’s a new indigenous superfood on the block–the amazing ‘Ulu!

Since moving to Honolulu a couple of months ago, I have been tipping my toes into Hawaiian culture. This week I attended a presentation at the local library about ‘ulu aka breadfruit, a neglected treasure of the South Pacific.

Maafala_Tree‘Ulu was once the staple of the islands. When Englishmen set foot on Maui in 1793 an eighteen mile grove existed that produced 70 million pounds of breadfruit a year. By 1850 much of it was gone. A major highway now exists along that path. About a hundred old trees still exist, hiding in plain site a resource that could feed millions of people in the coming generations.

1525964A beautiful legend called the Gift of Ku tells of a time of drought and famine on the islands. Ku and his wife had many children, growing weaker and more gaunt as each day slipped by without sufficient food. Ku knew of a way to feed his family, but it meant sacrificing his life. Ku and his wife had a very sad parting as she gave him permission to end his life to save his children. Ku stood tall and then was sucked into the earth. Soon, a new kind of tree sprouted in his place–the ‘Ulu. Read the full story here.

‘Ulu fed islanders for centuries until colonialism and Westernization forced plantation farming over forest agriculture to fuel a money-driven colonial economy. Younger generations learned to prefer white rice and spam over the old “starvation” and “slave food” hanging on the ‘ulu trees.

All was not lost. Keepers of old traditions and knowledge remained and kept stands of trees alive throughout the Pacific. Now, scientists and agriculturists are joining forces with tribal and island leaders to revive the bountiful breadfruit for the modern world.

The Breadfruit Institute has been formed by the National Botanical Tropical Garden to nurture a new ‘ulu agricultural system and educate the world about the benefits of ‘ulu.

From Nutrition and You:

Health benefits of breadfruit

  • As in line with other tropical fruits, breadfruit too holds lots of calories. 100 g fresh fruit provides 102 calories. The major fraction of this comes from the carbohydrates. Ripe fruits are sweeter since their starch content is converted into sucrose and simple sugars like fructose and glucose.
  • Its pulp has more fiber than in jackfruit, which makes it a good bulk laxative. Dietary fiber helps reduce blood cholesterol by preventing its absorption in the gut, reduce obesity, blood pressure and help protect the colon mucous membrane by warding off cancer-causing chemicals from the colon.
  • The fruit has moderate levels of essential vitamins, and minerals. Like other tropical delicacies, it is rich in many vital B-complex groups of vitamins. The fruit is a moderate source of vitamins, especially thiamin, pyridoxine, and niacin.
  • Fresh fruit is an excellent source of potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Its pulp is good in copper, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
  • Breadfruit seeds contain average levels of protein; 100 g seeds provide 7.4 g or 13% of daily-recommended values. However, they are excellent sources of minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, manganese, etc.

Commercially, ‘ulu has a myriad of possibilities because the fruit is so versatile. Unripened fruit is high in vitamin C. Islanders from ancient times carried it in their canoes to stave off scurvy. Today that fruit is delicious in a pickled form, much like pickled artichokes. Mature fruit can be used in dozens of recipes– appetizers, salads, main dishes, desserts, and baked goods. Breadfruit flour is gluten free and makes excellent flat breads, cookies, and so much more.

Breadfruit-cookbook-front-cover-300px2The National Botanical Tropical Garden has a recipe book, Ho`oulu ka`Ulu Cookbook: Breadfruit tips, techniques, and Hawaii`s favorite home recipe available of contest winning recipes from across the islands. 

 

 

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 ‘Ulu may help us survive the upheavals of global warming. It is hardy and thrives in a variety of wet and dry climates. 

So, ‘ulu, or breadfruit, maybe the Next Big Thing. Remember, you saw it here first!

For more information visit The Breadfruit Institute.

Dana Taylor

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